Current Student Accommodations
Once you are approved for accommodations through Student Disability Services, you are responsible for requesting and managing the accommodations you plan to use each semester. Your approved accommodations are communicated to instructors through a Letter of Accommodation, or LOA, using the AIM system.
You may choose which approved accommodations you need for each course. Because accommodations are not retroactive, request your LOAs and communicate with your instructors as early as possible.
Request & Manage Accommodations
Semester Accommodation Checklist
Complete these steps each semester in which you plan to use your approved accommodations:
- Review your courses in AIM. Sign in using your eRaider credentials and select the courses in which you want to use accommodations.
- Select your accommodations. Choose the approved accommodations you need for each course. You do not have to use every approved accommodation in every class.
- Request your Letters of Accommodation. Submit your accommodation requests through AIM. Once approved, the LOA is emailed to you and the instructor of record.
- Contact your instructors. Contact each instructor within one week of requesting your LOA to discuss how your accommodations will be implemented.
- Complete any additional arrangements. Some accommodations, including accommodated testing, supplemental notes, interpreting or accessible course materials, require additional coordination.
- Monitor your accommodations. If an approved accommodation is not being provided or you experience a problem, address it promptly during the semester.
LOAs may be requested at any point during the semester, but students are encouraged to request them before or near the beginning of the semester whenever possible.
Letters of Accommodation
A Letter of Accommodation is the university-approved notification that identifies the disability-related accommodations SDS has determined are appropriate for you.
Your LOA:
- Lists the accommodations approved for the selected course.
- Is sent electronically through the secure AIM system.
- Is sent to the instructor of record for the course.
- Does not disclose your disability or diagnosis.
- Must be requested each semester for each course in which you plan to use accommodations.
You may choose not to request an LOA for a particular course or may select only the approved accommodations you need in that course. Choosing not to use an accommodation in one course or semester does not remove your eligibility to use it in a future course or semester.
How to Request Your LOAs
- Sign in to the AIM system using your eRaider username and password.
- Select each course in which you want to request accommodations.
- If a course includes an associated lab or discussion section, select the appropriate section when prompted.
- Select the approved accommodations you want to use for each course.
- Submit your accommodation request.
- After the request is approved, you and your instructor will receive the LOA electronically.
When Accommodations Begin
Accommodations are not retroactive. An accommodation cannot be applied to assignments, exams or other academic requirements completed before the accommodation process was established for the course.
Although LOAs may be requested at any time during the semester, requesting them early gives you and your instructors time to make the necessary arrangements.
Discussing Accommodations With Instructors
Receiving an LOA does not replace communication with your instructor. After requesting an LOA, contact the instructor within one week to discuss the accommodations you plan to use and how they will work in that particular course.
When meeting with an instructor:
- Discuss the accommodations listed on your LOA that you intend to use.
- Ask how accommodations will be implemented in the course.
- Discuss upcoming exams or assignments that may require advance arrangements.
- Identify any potential scheduling or access issues early.
- Contact SDS if you and your instructor have questions about how an accommodation should be implemented.
You are not required to disclose your diagnosis or provide disability documentation to an instructor. SDS maintains your disability documentation and determines your eligibility for accommodations.
Managing Your Accommodations
Your accommodation needs may differ by course, semester or instructional format. AIM allows you to manage which approved accommodations you request for each course.
Adding or Dropping a Course
If you add a course after requesting your initial LOAs, return to AIM and request accommodations for the new course. If you drop a course, review your accommodation requests and any related testing, interpreting or other arrangements.
Changing Which Accommodations You Use
If you are already approved for an accommodation but did not initially request it for a course, you may update your accommodation request through AIM or contact your SDS case manager for assistance.
Requesting a New Accommodation
If your needs change and you want an accommodation that is not currently approved, contact your SDS case manager. Additional accommodations must be reviewed and may require supporting documentation.
Online Courses
How an accommodation is implemented may differ between face-to-face and online courses because course activities and instructional methods are different. Discuss your LOA with the instructor so you understand how your approved accommodations apply to the course.
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Students approved for SDS accommodations have the right to equal access to university programs and activities while also sharing responsibility for establishing and maintaining their accommodations.
Your Rights
- To have approved accommodations communicated to instructors through an LOA.
- To choose whether to request approved accommodations in a particular course.
- To request a review of your accommodations if your disability-related needs change.
- To have disability information maintained confidentially in accordance with applicable requirements.
- To receive approved accommodations without being charged for the accommodation.
Your Responsibilities
- Request LOAs each semester for courses in which you plan to use accommodations.
- Communicate with instructors about how accommodations will be implemented.
- Complete additional procedures required for accommodations such as testing, note-taking or interpreting services.
- Follow course requirements, attendance policies and the Student Code of Conduct.
- Monitor your Texas Tech email and AIM for accommodation-related communication.
- Notify SDS promptly when an accommodation is not being provided or another problem occurs.
Being registered with SDS does not automatically excuse absences or change a course's attendance requirements. Students should follow the attendance policy provided by the instructor unless a specific disability-related arrangement has been approved.
Using Specific Accommodations
Some accommodations require additional steps beyond requesting your LOA. Review the appropriate information before you need to use the accommodation.
Accommodated Testing
If you receive testing accommodations, discuss testing arrangements with your instructor and complete the required scheduling process in advance.
Note-Taking Accommodations
Supplemental note-taking assistance requires coordination with your instructor. Students receiving supplemental notes are still expected to attend class, remain attentive and attempt their own notes.
Interpreting & Realtime Transcription
Students approved for sign language interpreting or realtime transcription should coordinate services as early as possible, particularly before the beginning of a semester.
Interpreting & Realtime Transcription
Problems With an Accommodation
If you experience a problem with an approved accommodation, address it as soon as possible while the course is still in progress.
- Communicate with your instructor. If appropriate, explain the problem and ask how it can be resolved.
- Contact SDS if the problem continues. Your SDS case manager can help clarify the accommodation and work with you and the instructor to address implementation concerns.
- Do not wait until the semester is over. Accommodation concerns should be reported while SDS still has an opportunity to address the issue.
If you disagree with an SDS decision about your eligibility or a specific accommodation, you may use the university's accommodation appeal process.
Need Help With Your Accommodations?
If you have questions about your LOAs, approved accommodations or how an accommodation is being implemented, contact Student Disability Services or your SDS case manager.
Student Disability Services
-
Address
130 Weeks Hall, MS 45007 | Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2405 -
Fax
806.742.4837 -
Email
sds@ttu.edu